19 Indian Cities Among World's Hottest as Temperatures Soar to 44°C
India is currently experiencing an intense heatwave that has become a matter of global concern. According to recent data from AQI.in, 19 out of the world’s 20 hottest cities are located in India, highlighting the severity of the situation.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning that heatwave conditions will persist between April 22 and April 24, with temperatures reaching up to 43°C or higher.
As per scientific standards, a heatwave is declared when temperatures exceed 40°C, but this year several cities have gone well beyond this threshold.
Most Affected Regions
States such as Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh are among the worst affected. The only non-Indian city in the list is Lumbini in Nepal, indicating that India is currently at the center of this global heat crisis.
Why Is the Heat So Severe?
One major reason is the intense solar radiation during April, which is rapidly heating the land surface. Normally, April is considered a pre-monsoon heat period, but clear skies this year have allowed uninterrupted sunlight to directly heat the ground, causing a sharp rise in temperature.
Another key factor is the reduced snow cover in Eurasian and Himalayan regions. Snow typically reflects sunlight back into space, helping keep temperatures lower. However, reduced snowfall this year has allowed more heat to be absorbed by the land.
Ocean conditions are also contributing to the extreme heat. The Pacific Ocean is currently warmer than usual, disrupting weather patterns. This has weakened cooling winds and systems, allowing heat to intensify.
Dry northwestern winds are further worsening the situation by preventing cloud formation and reducing the chances of rainfall, leading to continuous temperature rise.
Meanwhile, southern and northeastern parts of India are experiencing humidity and storms, showing a clear division in weather patterns across the country.
Clear Signs of Climate Change
Experts believe that such a large number of cities experiencing extreme heat simultaneously is a direct indicator of climate change.
This is not just a normal summer but a warning of future trends where both the intensity and frequency of heatwaves are expected to increase.
The remaining days of April are unlikely to bring relief, and much of the country will continue to face severe heat until pre-monsoon rains arrive.